Clifton Pugh

Biography

Clifton Ernest Pugh (December 17, 1924, Richmond – October 14, 1990, Prahran) was an Australian artist and three-time recipient of the Archibald Prize. His work is closely linked to expressionism, which significantly influenced his style. Pugh gained recognition for his landscapes and portraits. In the early period of his career, important artist groups and exhibitions included 'The Antipodeans,' an event accompanied by a manifesto written by Bernard Smith in support of Australian figurative painting. He also participated in joint exhibitions with artists such as Arthur Boyd, David Boyd, John Brack, Robert Dickerson, John Perceval, and Charles Blackman. Additionally, he took part in a joint exhibition with Barry Humphries, where both responded to the Dadaism movement. Pugh also showed his works at the 'Group of Four' exhibition at the Victorian Artists Society gallery alongside John Howley, Don Lakecock, and Lawrence Daws.